SUVs that don’t mind getting dirty
The Honda CR-V TrailSport and Hyundai Tucson XRT directly compete in one of the most crowded and competitive crossover SUV classes. It’s a segment dominated by the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-50, and Ford Escape/Bronco Sport, with Jeep preparing a new Cherokee to reclaim its reputation as the off-road champ.
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Some rivals in this space offer genuine off-road chops, with extra armor, tuned suspension, and traction-enhancing systems. The Tucson XRT and CR-V TrailSport certainly look the part of weekend adventurers, but the real question is: how much trail capability do they actually deliver?
Hyundai Tucson XRT (Base MSRP $33,015)
The Tucson XRT builds on Hyundai’s best-selling crossover formula with rugged flair. Under the hood sits a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system as a $1,500 option. A driver-selectable lock mode splits torque 50/50 between axles, which is helpful for snow or light dirt, though it isn’t a true locking differential.
Fuel economy is solid for the class, sitting at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with FWD, or 24/30 mpg with AWD. Towing capacity tops out at 2,000 pounds, and the tow package comes standard with the XRT trim.
Inside, the XRT balances rugged style with comfort. Black H-Tex seats are durable and easy to clean, while the steering wheel and shifter are leather-wrapped. Heated front seats and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Space is generous too, with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, expanding to 74.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
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The XRT trim features a package of exterior upgrades that lend it an adventure-ready personality. Those features include exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black bumpers and fascias, bold side cladding, a dark chrome grille, bridge-style roof rails, and a tow hitch. The result is a Tucson that looks more rugged than the average suburban commuter.
But here’s the catch: ground clearance stays at 8.3 inches, there’s no underbody skid protection, and the suspension is the same as any other Tucson. What you’re really buying is an aggressive appearance package on a comfortable, family-friendly crossover. On the road, it drives smoothly and quietly, with all-terrain tires adding little penalty to comfort. On dirt or in bad weather, it’ll hold its own, but serious trails are beyond its scope.
Honda CR-V TrailSport (Base MSRP $38,800)
Honda
Honda takes a slightly different approach with the CR-V TrailSport. It’s available only as a hybrid and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The hybrid system pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Power flows through Honda’s unique e-CVT setup, with Real-Time AWD tuned for better traction under 9 mph – the speed where light off-roading really happens.
Fuel economy is still impressive, though slightly reduced compared to standard CR-V hybrids, at 38 mpg city and 33 highway. Towing is limited to 1,000 pounds and the CR-V TrailSport does not come with a standard tow package.
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The TrailSport trim stands out with features designed to help when the pavement ends. It rolls on unique 18-inch “Shark Grey” wheels wrapped in Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires. The front fascia gains a silver skid garnish, black trim, and TrailSport badging, while a distinctive Ash Green Pearl paint option is exclusive to this model.
Inside, the TrailSport matches rugged touches with modern convenience. Water-resistant black cloth seats with orange stitching are heated, as is the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Infotainment is handled by a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, paired with a 10.2-inch digital driver display.
Like the Tucson, the CR-V TrailSport does not include extra ground clearance (just 8.2 inches), underbody armor, or a specialized suspension. However, its AWD mapping and grippier tires make it more capable than the standard CR-V on mud, gravel, or snow. The tradeoff is slightly firmer ride quality and a bit more road noise from the chunky rubber.
Final thoughts
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This isn’t a battle between hardcore off-roaders; it’s a contest between two smartly packaged crossovers dressed up for adventure. Both the Tucson XRT and CR-V TrailSport are comfortable, spacious, and efficient, but they approach the rugged lifestyle image differently.
The Hyundai Tucson XRT wins on price, cargo space, and towing ability, making it a better value for families who want adventure looks without paying extra for hybrid power. The Honda CR-V TrailSport, while pricier, earns a nod for its hybrid-only powertrain, superior traction tuning, and dedicated all-terrain tires.
If you’re after light-trail confidence, the Honda edges ahead. If you want affordability, smooth comfort, and more utility, the Hyundai is the smarter play. Neither is an off-road monster – but both deliver a taste of rugged character in one of the most competitive segments on the market.